Despite encouraging market signals — from easing fears over AI valuations to optimism surrounding trade policy — signs are emerging that U.S. consumers are feeling financially stretched. Recent earnings reports from major consumer-facing companies, including McDonald’s, are offering such cues.The latest commentary from McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski pointed out that lower-income households are cutting back on discretionary spending, with quick-service restaurant (QSR) traffic from lower-income group falli ...